Romania's National Energy Regulatory Authority ANRE has adopted a new Regulation on the authorization of economic operators in the natural gas sector, introducing higher technical standards, new categories of authorizations and clearer responsibilities for general contractors.
In a statement, ANRE said the new framework replaces Order 132/2021 and brings substantial changes to market-access conditions, staffing and equipment requirements, the typology of authorizations and rules applicable to general contractors.
ANRE president George Niculescu said the regulation is more than a technical update, arguing that ANRE authorisation must certify "a real capacity to execute works safely", including stricter staffing requirements, mandatory certified welders and a clarified regime for general contractors.
The regulation introduces two new authorizations covering LNG terminal infrastructure: PGNLT for design and EGNLT for execution, reflecting the rapid expansion of LNG infrastructure nationally and in the EU.
A key policy shift is the return to mandatory proof of minimum staffing levels via REGES at the time of application, abandoning the declarative mechanism introduced in 2023. The minimum number of authorized installers for all execution authorizations rises from two to three.
For the first time, operators must prove they employ certified welders, with differentiated requirements by authorization type. The previous option to subcontract non-dismantlable joints to an external authorized operator is eliminated. Operators seeking EDSB, EDIB, EGNLT and EGNL authorizations must also prove ownership or use of polyethylene welding equipment with valid technical inspections.
Documentation requirements are expanded to include CVs for management and coordination staff, written declarations from authorized installers confirming their affiliation, and a statement on compliance with occupational safety legislation.
The regulation also introduces a dedicated chapter on the regime of the general contractor: only ANRE-authorized operators may be subcontracted, coordination must be ensured by an employee holding the appropriate ANRE authorization, and the general contractor is jointly liable with subcontractors for design, execution and operation.
Rules for verification and inspection works are clarified, with documentation issued in the name of the general contractor even when subcontracted, and a minimum content for subcontracting contracts is defined.
A newly introduced incompatibility rule prohibits the technical execution supervisor from signing documents for works in which they personally participated as an installer or welder, ensuring separation between execution and oversight.
Operators holding authorizations under Order 132/2021 have three months from entry into force to demonstrate compliance with the new staffing and equipment requirements.
